Mary Ann Florence

Mary Ann (Holman) Florence, 84 of Lexington, Missouri passed away on Saturday, May 18, 2024, surrounded by her loving family, at Kindred Hospital Northland in Kansas City, Mo.

Rosary will be recited at 5:00 p.m., Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Walker-Nadler-Fuller Funeral Home, 1720 S. St., Lexington, Mo. Visitation will follow from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, May 24, 2024, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Main Street, Lexington, Mo. with burial in Machpelah (Memorial Park) Cemetery. The Rev. Terrell Finnell will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Beta Sigma Phi Educational Scholarship, the Altar Society of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, or the Wentworth Museum, Lexington, Mo. Memories of Mary Ann and condolences for her family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on our Facebook Page.

Mary Ann was born on February 28, 1940 in Kansas City, Mo. to Cebert Earl and Alda Marie (Simonetti) Holman. She graduated in 1958 from Lexington High School. She was united in marriage to the love of her life, Robert Earl Florence on May 23, 1959. As a testament to their love, she and Bob were married for 64 years. 

Mary Ann had two wonderful careers. She started her professional career in banking after she graduated from high school. Her second career was as the Social Hostess and Activities Director for Wentworth Military Academy and Junior College, Lexington, Mo. It was at WMA that she met and helped mentor hundreds of cadets. She loved her “second career” and the cadets that helped keep her young. 

Mary Ann was very active in the community and proud of her hometown. She was a member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and the Altar Society of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. She also served on the Lexington Park Board and was a Den Mother for one of the Cub Scout Troops. Mary Ann also enjoyed volunteering for many community and school related events.  

Mary Ann was a proud supporter of Minutemen Athletics and Activities. She loved listening to music concerts and watching theatre performances. She was also often seen on the sidelines of many sports contests with Bob, cheering on her children and grandchildren. And whenever the LHS school song was played, she sang loud and proud! 

Not only a Minutemen fan, she was also a Wellington Tiger fan and St. James Tiger fan as well. She also cheered for the Wichita State Shockers and the MidAmerica Nazarene Pioneers. Mary Ann was also a fan of Mizzou, the Kansas City Royals and the Kansas City Chiefs. 

Mary Ann is survived her two sons, Robert K. (Bob) Florence and wife, Linda of Lexington, Mo.; Randall E. (Randy) Florence and wife, Jan of Wellington, Mo.; one daughter Deborah M. (Debby) Rinehart and husband, Jamie of St. James, Mo.; six beloved grandchildren, Victoria (Tori), Bethanie (Beth), Brenton (Brent), Nathaniel (Nate), Jacob (Jake) and Joshua (Josh); one sister-in-law, LaWanda Holman of Lexington, Mo., her best friend, Nellie Barnes of Lexington, Mo.; several cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

In addition to her parents, Mary Ann was preceded in death by her husband, a brother and sister-in-law, John R. and Diana Holman; a sister in infancy, Gloria M. Holman; a brother, William E. Holman and a nephew, Marc A. Barnes.  

Mary Ann was the heart of her family and to her, family was everything. She was a role model in many aspects of life- as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and devout Catholic. Mary Ann enjoyed meeting and talking to people and usually the conversation focused on her grandchildren. It was her love and pride for her family that shined through. And so did her beautiful smile.